Abstract: Aspergillus nidulans, a model filamentous fungus endowed with well-established genetic tools and a repertoire of cryptic secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), is extensively exploited as a microbial chassis for heterologous biosynthesis. Mining of its secondary metabolites facilitates the discovery of novel bioactive compounds and the development and application of chassis cells. In the course of heterologous expression of exogenous genes in A. nidulans, we unexpectedly observed the activation of cryptic host BGCs, which resulted in substantial alterations to its secondary metabolic profile. Four previously undescribed compounds (1–4), together with six known analogs (5–10), were isolated from three recombinant A. nidulans strains. Notably, compounds 1–3 are the first naturally occurring examples of diketopiperazine-isoindolinone hybrid alkaloids, while compound 4 is a previously unreported benzofuran carboxylic acid derivative. Their structures and absolute configurations were assigned by interpretation of a combination of spectroscopic data and electronic circular dichroism calculations. Compounds 4 and 5 exhibited potent DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀, 6.01 and 7.00 μg·mL^-1, respectively). This study uncovers a "metabolic perturbation" effect on the host metabolic network during heterologous expression and offers a new strategy for activating silent gene clusters and discovering novel natural products through genetic manipulation.

Abstract: Human Resource Analytics (HRA) promises to improve decision-making, workforce planning, and organisational performance through data-driven insights (Isson & Harriott, 2016; Marler & Boudreau, 2017; Minbaeva, 2021; McCartney & Fu, 2022a[M1.1]). Yet, despite growing interest in people analytics, many organisations still struggle to embed HRA into strategic and operational decision processes in ways that support innovation, effective governance, and long-term organisational sustainability. This article examines strategic misalignment as a critical but underexplored barrier to the adoption of HRA in the airline industry. Drawing on a qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with 15 professionals connected to Portugal’s commercial aviation sector—including Experts in AI (n = 5), HR/Airline Professionals (n = 4), and HR/Airline Executives (n = 6)—the paper shows that HRA is constrained not merely by technical limitations but by the weak strategic positioning of HR itself and by governance arrangements that fail to integrate people-related evidence into executive decision-making. The findings indicate three interrelated barriers: the marginal role of HR in strategic decision-making, fragmented data and cross-functional silos, and inconsistent executive sponsorship for analytics-driven people management. These barriers reduce the practical value of analytics initiatives, weaken the governance of workforce-related decisions, and confine HRA to descriptive reporting rather than strategic intervention. The study contributes to the literature by reframing strategic alignment not as a secondary success factor, but as a prerequisite for meaningful HRA implementation and for building sustainable organisations able to connect workforce capability, operational resilience, and business value. Practical implications are discussed for organisations seeking to strengthen digital HR transformation in highly regulated and operationally complex sectors.

Abstract: Cataracts are the leading cause of reversible blindness worldwide, this condition results from the aggregation of lens proteins. Currently, surgery remains the only effective treatment; however, there is growing interest in non-surgical approaches, including the use of bioactive compounds incorporated into nanostructured delivery systems designed to enhance solubility, enable controlled release, and improve bioavailability and bioactivity. Among the bioactive compounds investigated, curcumin has attracted considerable attention due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, positioning it as a potential anticataractogenic agent. In the present study, a curcumin-loaded nanoemulsion was developed via ultrasonication and characterized in terms of average particle size, D90 percentile, ζ potential, temporal stability, and rheological behaviour. In addition, its anti-cataract efficacy was evaluated both using an in vivo model in rats and an ex vivo model employing human cataract samples. The resulting curcumin-carrying nanoemulsion exhibited an average particle size of 152 ± 19.79 nm with a monomodal distribution, along with good physical stability over time. On the other hand, the nanoemulsion exhibited viscosity values of 31.36 ± 1.88 to 25.96 ± 0.81 mPa·s and a near Newtonian flow behavior. Regarding the effect on cataracts, in the in vivo model, cataract reversal of at least two grades was observed. Furthermore, ex vivo isothermal titration calorimetry analyses confirmed exothermic binding interactions between the curcumin nanoemulsions and cataract fragments, suggesting the involvement of multiple binding sites within lens components, most likely crystallin proteins. These findings support the potential of curcumin-based nanoemulsions as promising therapeutic candidates for the treatment of cataracts.

Abstract: The need to reduce harmful emissions and fossil fuel consumption has spurred the development of environmentally friendly technologies in the energy, industrial, and transportation sectors. One approach to addressing this problem is the active adoption of electric and hybrid powertrains in transportation, partially replacing internal combustion engines with them. With the development of electric transport, the growth of energy availability and the increase in mileage, the problem of ensuring optimal thermal conditions for the operation of engines, electronics, batteries and other equipment of electric vehicles is becoming increasingly important. This article examines methods for thermal management of electric vehicle equipment and the feasibility of using heat pipes and thermosyphons for these purposes. Based on the information obtained, the goal was to propose an effective, compact device for passive cooling of heat-loaded components in electric vehicles. The design and test results of an aluminum loop thermosyphon with two evaporators are presented. This loop thermosyphon is capable of simultaneously removing heat from two sources and transferring it to a single heat sink, thus replacing two thermosyphons and increasing the compactness of the thermal management system.

Abstract: Hyperprolactinemia, defined as persistently elevated serum prolactin levels, is a common endocrine disorder with systemic metabolic consequences that extend beyond its classical roles in lactation and reproductive function. This review summarizes current evidence regarding the interplay between prolactin excess and metabolic regulation. Chronic hyperprolactinemia is associated with increased appetite, weight gain, and elevated BMI, likely mediated through altered dopaminergic tone, leptin resistance, and direct effects on adipose tissue. Dyslipidemia is frequently observed, characterized by elevated total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides, alongside reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Additionally, prolactin excess contributes to impaired glucose homeostasis, manifesting as increased fasting glucose levels, elevated HbA1c, and insulin resistance. Emerging data also suggest associations with endothelial dysfunction, cardiovascular risk, neuropsychiatric disturbances, and reduced bone mineral density. These findings support the conceptualization of hyperprolactinemia as a multisystem disorder requiring comprehensive clinical evaluation and management. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize therapeutic strategies.

Abstract: Amphotericin B (AmB) is a broad‑spectrum antifungal agent and a long‑standing standard of care; however, its clinical use is compromised by poor solubility, off‑target tissue distribution and severe dose‑limiting toxicity. AmB‑loaded poly (D, L‑lactide‑co‑glycolide) nanoparticles (PLGA‑AmB‑NPs) were developed and characterised with respect to their physicochemical properties, antifungal activity against A. fumigatus biofilms, in vivo efficacy in the Galleria mellonella infection model, and hemolytic toxicity in vitro. Blank PLGA nanoparticles (PLGA‑NPs) and PLGA‑AmB‑NPs exhibited mean diameters of 165 nm (PDI 0.075) and 120 nm (PDI 0.210), respectively, with negative zeta‑potential values consistent with colloidal stability in aqueous media. PLGA‑AmB‑NPs showed significantly enhanced activity against 24 h A. fumigatus biofilms compared with free AmB at concentrations of 5 and 10 µg/mL, while unloaded PLGA‑NPs were inactive. Infected G. mellonella larvae treated with PLGA‑AmB‑NPs displayed markedly improved survival over a 5‑day period relative to those receiving equivalent doses of free AmB. Furthermore, PLGA‑AmB‑NPs induced substantially lower hemolysis of human red blood cells than free AmB across all tested concentrations (5–20 µg/mL). PLGA‑AmB‑NPs represent a promising polymeric platform for the treatment of A. fumigatus infections.

Abstract: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved, ~22-nucleotide non-coding RNAs that orchestrate post-transcriptional gene silencing across virtually all metazoan lineages. Since the landmark discovery of lin-4 in Caenorhabditis elegans over three decades ago, the miRNA field has expanded to encompass more than 2,600 annotated human miRNAs collectively targeting over 60% of protein-coding genes, establishing miRNAs as master regulators of cellular homeostasis, differentiation, and stress adaptation. This review articulates a conceptual framework positioning miRNAs as integrative molecular nodes at the intersection of two fundamental biological processes: the heat shock response (HSR) and host immunity. We synthesize evidence demonstrating that thermal stress, whether arising from environmental hyperthermia, febrile immune responses, or climate-driven ecological perturbation, profoundly reshapes miRNA biogenesis, stability, and target engagement, with cascading consequences for innate and adaptive immune signaling. Mechanistically, we trace how heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) undergoes temperature-dependent liquid–liquid phase separation to activate transcription of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and specific miRNA loci, generating feedback circuits that calibrate inflammatory tone through NF-κB, TLR, and inflammasome pathways. Multi-omics integration including transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and small RNA sequencing has revealed a systems-level "regulatory flux" in which miRNAs dynamically buffer cellular responses to concurrent thermal and immunological challenges. We further examine how pathogens exploit and subvert host miRNA circuits during infection, and how extracellular vesicle-mediated miRNA transfer enables intercellular and inter-organ stress communication. Finally, we survey the translational horizon, including miRNA mimics, antagomiRs, engineered delivery systems, and synthetic miRNA circuits, highlighting both therapeutic promise and outstanding challenges. By reframing miRNAs as rheostatic integrators bridging stress physiology and immunology, this review establishes a foundation for interdisciplinary research at the thermal stress–immunity nexus.

Abstract: This conceptual short paper introduces Believable AI Imagery (BAI) as an operational concept for fully synthetic images that are visually ordinary, context-compatible, and unlikely to be escalated for verification. Existing frameworks, including deepfakes, cheapfakes, false context, manipulated content, provenance, and detector accuracy, remain essential, but they do not fully capture mundane documentary, workplace, administrative, or evidentiary-looking images that may pass before detection is considered. BAI names a verification problem rather than a new generation technique: a fully synthetic image with no underlying photographic record may still be accepted as an ordinary record, reference photograph, or supporting document. A preliminary observation using more than 100 fully AI-generated, low-salience images illustrates how ordinary verification interactions can produce mixed and unstable outcomes. Some images are classified as AI-generated, while others are treated as likely real photographs even after AI generation is explicitly raised. The core issue is not only detector accuracy, but suspicion, triage, and verification economics: whether an image will be selected for review before it is accepted as an ordinary record.

Abstract: The integration density of photonic integrated circuits is fundamentally limited by evanescent field overlap and subsequent inter-channel crosstalk. Layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) bypass these confinement constraints through intrinsic optical birefringence and high refractive indices. Here, we report the near-infrared optical constants and waveguide dispersion of molybdenum diselenide (MoSe2). Ellipsometry performed on centimeter-scale crystals yields an in-plane refractive index of 4.1–4.7 over 1000–2000 nm, with an extinction coefficient close to the sensitivity limit of the fit away from strong excitonic resonances. To validate the anisotropic dielectric tensor at the device scale, scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM) was utilized to map the propagation of transverse-magnetic modes in 235-nm-thick exfoliated flakes. Spatial Fourier analysis of the edge-scattered near-field interference yields effective mode indices that precisely match the modeled dispersion. Using the verified dielectric tensor, finite-element simulations demonstrate that single-mode MoSe2 waveguides optically outperform equivalent tungsten disulfide (WS2) benchmarks. The enhanced evanescent field suppression in the claddings of MoSe2 waveguide increases the coupling length by a factor of 3.5, reducing the required routing pitch and enabling a 12.5% direct increase in on-chip integration density. The results identify MoSe2 as a high-index anisotropic platform for compact waveguiding in the near-infrared.

Abstract: This study focuses on the development and optimization of topical cream formulations based on biopolymers and plant-derived extracts for potential wound-healing applications. Initial formulations prepared using conventional excipients exhibited insufficient viscosity and structural stability. The incorporation of xanthan gum as a stabilizing agent significantly improved the consistency and homogeneity of the systems. Hydroalcoholic extracts of Hypericum perforatum and Calendula officinalis were subsequently incorporated into the optimized formulations, resulting in satisfactory consistency and improved sensory properties. Formulations containing individual extracts demonstrated better homogeneity compared to combined extract systems. In parallel, an alternative formulation strategy based on biopolymers, namely gellan gum and chitosan, was investigated. The gellan-based formulation exhibited superior structural integrity and stability due to the formation of a three-dimensional polymeric network, whereas the chitosan-based system showed limited stability, likely associated with pH-dependent solubility and interpolymer interactions. Preliminary physicochemical evaluation confirmed the formation of semisolid systems with shear-dependent flow behavior suitable for topical application. These findings highlight the importance of polymer selection and formulation strategy in the development of stable cream systems. Overall, the developed formulations demonstrate promising potential for topical wound-healing applications. Further studies, including detailed pH analysis, rheological characterization, and biological activity evaluation, are required to confirm their therapeutic efficacy.

Abstract: Despite advances in multimodal treatment, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains a major clinical problem owing to its high recurrence rate and frequent development of treatment resistance. Abnormal histone modifications, particularly lysine methylation regulated by methyltransferases (KMTs) and demethylases (KDMs), have emerged as key drivers of HNSCC initiation, progression, and cellular plasticity. This review aims to comprehensively evaluate the role of selected KMTs and KDMs in HNSCC biology, with a focus on their contribution to resistance to immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and cytotoxic chemotherapy. We summarize and critically analyze preclinical and clinical studies investigating histone methylation dynamics in HNSCC, with particular emphasis on enzymes such as KMT2C/D, EZH2, NSD1/NSD2, SMYD3, G9a/EHMT2, LSD1, KDM2A/B, KDM3, KDM4, KDM5, KDM6, KDM7, and KDM8. Particular attention is given to pharmacological approaches targeting these proteins: we discuss smallmolecule inhibitors of EZH2, LSD1, KDM4/5/6, and other KMT/KDMs that are currently in preclinical development or earlyphase clinical trials, and we highlight completed and ongoing studies testing EZH1/2 inhibitors and epigenetic combinations in patients with recurrent and metastatic HNSCC. Deregulation of specific KMTs and KDMs reshapes histone methylation at key residues, thereby controlling cell cycle progression, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), stem cell phenotypes, DNA damage responses, and interactions with the immune system in HNSCC. Targeting disrupted histone methylation pathways may partially reverse epigenetic reprogramming of HNSCC cells and represents a promising strategy to improve treatment efficacy in advanced disease. We also summarize preclinical evidence and limited clinical data on targeting histone methylation in HNSCC and discuss therapeutic implications.

Abstract: Hypoxia is a prevalent pathophysiological condition. Prolonged exposure to hypobaric hypoxia can lead to maladaptation, increasing the risk of chronic hypoxic diseases such as high-altitude polycythemia (HAPC). Dauricine, an alkaloid derived from the root of Menispermum dauricum DC, has been demonstrated to possess anti-hypoxic properties; however, its underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, a multi-target molecular mechanism of dauricine in mitigating hypoxia was systematically investigated using an integrated approach combining network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations. Common targets between dauricine and hypoxia-related genes were identified through network pharmacology screening. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to identify core targets, followed by Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. Molecular docking was subsequently employed to evaluate the binding affinities between dauricine and the core targets, while molecular dynamics simulations were performed to validate the stability of the resulting complexes. Additionally, the drug-likeness and safety profiles of dauricine were assessed. The results indicate that dauricine may exert its anti-hypoxic effects by modulating core targets, including ESR1, PIK3CA, and MTOR, and by acting on key signaling pathways such as PI3K-Akt, MAPK, and mTOR. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the development of dauricine as a multi-target candidate for intervention in hypoxia and establishes a bioinformatics basis for subsequent experimental validation.

Abstract: PAHO have urged member countries to recognize ethnicity as a structural deter-minant of health, emphasizing the need for evidence-based public policies to address inequalities, however, studies that systematically explore the epidemiological profile of neglected tropical diseases from this perspective remain scarce. In this sense, this study aimed to analyze the prevalence and mortality rates of ACL across the Brazilian na-tional territory, stratified by ethnic-racial groups (Brown, Black, Asian, and Indige-nous; corresponding to the Brazilian categories pardo, preto, amarelo, and indígena) and study temporal trends and spatial distribution of these indicators by states and macro-regional levels, as well as to assess the potential impact of incomplete race/color information on the observed patterns. Data was extracted from the SINAN, accessed through DATASUS, in the period from 2016 to 2025. It was observed pronounced temporal fluctuations, with a significant reduction in the number of cases from 2017 to 2025 and marked spatial heterogeneity in the distribution of ACL across Brazil, with a clear concentration in North, Central-West and Northeast and inland regions. In addi-tion, ACL prevalence is higher among Asian and Indigenous populations, mortality disproportionately affects Brown and Indigenous groups, highlighting the indigenous population's high vulnerability to morbidity and mortality from ACL. It is also worth noting that it was observed consistent patterns of territorial and ethnic-racial inequal-ity in both the burden and severity of ACL in Brazil. This work is very important be-cause identify disparities in disease burden and outcomes, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of ACL-related vulnerabilities in Brazil.

Abstract: Background and hypothesis. Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) provide consistent cardiorenal benefits; however, tissue-level mechanisms remain insufficiently characterized. We investigated whether SGLT2i were associated with longitudinal remodeling of organ-specific adipose depots in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods. In this observational study cohort (ADIPO-CKD; NCT07309094), adults with CKD stages 1–4 underwent clinical, biochemical and ultrasound imaging assessment at baseline (T0) and 8-month follow-up (T8). Thus, epicardial (EAT) and perirenal adipose tissue (PRAT) thickness were measured. Changes over time between patients under SGLT2i treatment and those without (Non-SGLT2i) were assessed using repeated-measures ANOVA and multivariable linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, baseline eGFR, diabetes status, concomitant GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy, BMI and visceral fat area (VFA) changes. Results. Among 189 CKD patients (50 SGLT2i and 139 non-SGLT2i), SGLT2i therapy was associated with significant reductions in PRAT (1.28±0.70 to 0.91±0.61 cm; ΔPRAT −0.37 cm; p< 0.002) and EAT (0.57±0.27 to 0.36±0.14 cm; ΔEAT −0.21 cm; p< 0.012), whereas no significant changes were observed in the Non-SGLT2i group. In multivariable models, SGLT2i exposure remained independently associated with ΔPRAT (β=0.447; 95% CI 0.211–0.682; p< 0.001; R²=0.371) and ΔEAT (β=0.061; 95% CI 0.009–0.113; p< 0.021; R²=0.053), including adjustment for changes in BMI and VFA. These results were accompanied by reductions in renal function and systemic inflammation biomarkers in the SGLT2i group. In a secondary analysis, dapagliflozin was significantly associated with PRAT reduction, whereas a significant association was found between empagliflozin and EAT decrease. Conclusion. In CKD stages 1–4, SGLT2i use was independently associated with decrease of EAT and PRAT. These findings are consistent with the concept of a cardiorenal adipose axis, in which organ-specific adipose modulation may contribute to metabolic and cardiorenal benefits associated with SGLT2i. Dedicated mechanistic and adequately powered comparative studies are warranted to further elucidate these associations.

Abstract: We investigate the astrophysical implications of Sedenionic Quantum Gravity (SQG), a theoretical framework derived from the non-associative structure of sedenion algebra. In this approach, the antisymmetric sector of the sedenionic field generates an effective Yukawa-type correction to the gravitational interaction, introducing a finite interaction range that modifies gravitational dynamics on galactic and cluster scales. In the weak-field limit, the antisymmetric sector produces a massive field equation whose solution yields a Yukawa-type modification to the gravitational potential. We test the phenomenological consequences of this framework using rotation curves of three well-studied spiral galaxies—NGC 2403, NGC 3198, and NGC 5055—and hydrostatic mass profiles of two relaxed galaxy clusters, Abell 2029 and Abell 478, derived from X-ray observations of the intracluster medium. Using a stretched-exponential baryonic density distribution and least-squares fitting, the SQG model successfully reproduces the rapid inner rise and extended quasi-flat behavior observed in galaxy rotation curves as well as the circular-velocity profiles of galaxy clusters, without invoking dark matter halos or MOND-like prescriptions. The model is also consistent with the baryonic Tully–Fisher relation as an emergent scaling behavior of the Yukawa-modified gravitational interaction and may provide a plausible explanation for cluster-merger phenomena such as the Bullet Cluster through the antisymmetric, nonlocal gravitational sector. These results suggest that the non-associative algebraic structure underlying SQG may provide a unified explanation for gravitational phenomena traditionally attributed to dark matter across multiple astrophysical scales.

Abstract: Background: Thrombotic events increase with age, necessitating anticoagulants with reliable pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) profiles. Apixaban has important therapeutic advantages, but individualised dosing remains challenging because exposure and response are influenced by renal and hepatic function, food intake, body weight, and other patient-specific factors. Existing physiologically based pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PBPK/PD) models are limited by data sources, transparency, and incomplete representation of metabolites and pharmacodynamics. Methods: A systematic literature review identified 35 apixaban PK/PD clinical studies, which were curated and used for model development, parameter optimisation, and evaluation. We developed an expanded whole-body PBPK/PD model of apixaban with explicit metabolite representation and enhanced pharmacodynamic components. The model follows a modular structure and is encoded in SBML to support interoperability and reproducibility. Results: The model reproduced observed clinical PK/PD data across all 35 studies, covering diverse doses, regimens, and populations. Simulations captured apixaban PK and PD under normal conditions and clinically relevant scenarios, including renal and hepatic impairment, fasted and fed states, and obesity. Conclusions: This open PBPK/PD digital twin provides quantitative insight into determinants of apixaban exposure and response. All model files, documentation, simulation scripts, and curated datasets are openly available under MIT and CC-BY licenses following FAIR principles.

Abstract: We revisit and extend the least-squares bubble function (LSBF) enrichment technique originally proposed by Yazdani and Nassehi, and derive and apply higher-order polynomials (degrees p = 3, 4) to a broader class of benchmark problems. The bubble function coefficients are determined by minimizing an element level L2 residual functional. An adaptive element-level order-selection rule based on the mesh Peclet and Damkohler numbers is proposed, drawing an analogy with local p-refinement in h-p finite element methods. The method is validated on three benchmark problems: (i) a singularly perturbed convection–diffusion–reaction (CDR) equation across four parameter regimes, (ii) a stiff two-point boundary value problem with a boundary layer of thickness O(ε) = 10e−4, and (iii) a Two-dimensional diffusion–reaction problem on a unit square. Systematic mesh-refinement studies confirm that LSBF at p = 3, 4 substantially outperforms standard Galerkin and is competitive with or superior to SUPG in reaction-dominated and mixed regimes. Some advantages and the limitations of the LSBF method are discussed.

Abstract: This study examines pedestrian perceptions of streetscapes in Isfahan’s cultural heritage site by integrating deep learning–based image segmentation with urban morphological analysis. Using a U-Net model applied to First-Person Pedestrian View (FPPV) images, five perceptual indices (imageability, enclosure, human scale, greenness, and walking index) were quantified to assess their influence on pedestrian experience. Street width was explicitly incorporated as a morphological variable to examine its relationship with perceptual qualities using spearman correlation analysis and visual trend analysis using Pearson correlation. The results reveal consistent relationships between visual composition and perceptual outcomes, particularly strong associations between imageability, enclosure, and vegetation structure, as well as trade-offs between enclosure and sky visibility. In contrast, variables such as human scale and walking index show weak or negligible associations with street width, suggesting that pedestrian presence and activity patterns in heritage contexts are more strongly influenced by landscape elements, water features, and spatial continuity than by dimensional factors alone. Findings highlight how urban renewal strategies, such as streetscape enhancement and cultural preservation, shape pedestrian movement and spatial perception. Segmentation-based analysis achieved an accuracy of 83% in classifying dominant streetscape elements, offering a robust alternative to traditional survey-based methods. This study contributes a data-driven framework for assessing pedestrian streetscapes, emphasizing morphological continuity, human-scale design, and green infrastructure as critical determinants of walkability. It also identifies key challenges, including fragmented spatial morphology and inconsistent urban furniture placement, which affect pedestrian comfort and use of space. These findings support evidence-based policy and design strategies for optimizing historic urban streetscapes, with implications for balancing heritage conservation and modern pedestrian needs. Future research may refine perceptual metrics and extend the approach across diverse urban contexts.

Abstract: Sleep paralysis (SP) is characterized by a temporary inability to move or speak while awake. Although SP is prevalent among students, it remains understudied in sub-Saharan Africa. Medical students may be particularly vulnerable. In 2025, a survey was conducted among 320 medical science students at three universities in Conakry, Guinea, using a semi-structured electronic questionnaire. Data collected included sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, practices, and cultural perceptions regarding SP. A total of 62.0% of students reported experiencing SP. The most common symptoms were inability to move (91%), inability to speak (83%), a sense of presence (60%), and intense fear (62%). Male students, as well as those with moderate knowledge and attitude scores, had lower odds of experiencing SP. Both biomedical and cultural-spiritual explanatory models were identified. SP is prevalent and causes significant distress among medical science students in Conakry. Enhanced information dissemination, improved curriculum coverage, increased psychosocial support, and further longitudinal research are warranted.

Abstract: Fixed-allocation and loosely coordinated cooperative sensing frameworks are structurally inadequate for the spectrum management demands of 5G-Advanced and emerging 6G networks, as both treat sensing and allocation as decoupled processes unable to satisfy primary user protection, service-level agreements, and edge-native latency constraints simultaneously. This paper proposes an edge-native Spectrum-as-a-Service (SpaaS) framework based on the Interchangeable Spectrum Sensing Scheduling (ISSS) algorithm, in which sensing is treated as a schedulable, cost-bearing resource jointly optimized with spectrum allocation at the network edge. A formal system model is developed defining spectrum availability, sensing cost, service utility, and regulatory constraints as coupled elements of a single optimization structure, solved through a linear-complexity, single-pass heuristic enabling real-time execution. The framework is evaluated through Monte Carlo simulation under three primary user activity regimes against both a single-edge baseline and a cooperative sensing configuration at equivalent node count. Pareto efficiency frontier analysis identifies ten coordinated edge nodes as the optimal coordination density, at which point ISSS achieves an interference reduction gain of 87%, a spectrum utilization gain of 43%, and a scheduling efficiency gain of 27% over the single-edge baseline. These results establish ISSS as a practical, policy-aware, and scalable mechanism for dynamic spectrum orchestration in future wireless networks.